"Because the heart beats under a covering of hair, of fur, feathers, or wings, it is, for that reason, to be of no account?"
Jean Paul Richter

Animals are routinely deprived of their homes, their liberty and even their lives. Yet, they are not guaranteed a lawyer to speak on their behalf. Since 1989 Lawyers In Defense Of Animals, Inc. ("LIDA") has provided that voice in New Jersey.

LIDA is committed to representing the interest of the proverbial "underdog" whether he or she takes the form of wildlife, farm animal or companion animal. Through its cooperating attorneys who work on a reduced fee or pro bono basis, LIDA works within the legal system and educates others to work within the legal system to send society the message that animals are not property but are sentient beings with inherent rights.

Fundamental among those rights is the right to counsel for every animal that faces loss of life or significant loss of liberty.

LIDA believes firmly in the right to counsel for animals and has initiated the Right to Counsel campaign.